Novel formulation approach to extend the high temperature performance of lithium complex greases in rolling bearings

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity and a method of making the same. The lithium complex grease includes: a lithium complex thickener, a friction modifier, a polymer or copolymer, and at least one synthetic base oil with alkylated naphthalene. The lithium complex grease can be substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene. Furthermore, the lithium complex grease can have a median failure rate with via ball bearing test (e.g., using the FE9 grease life test method of DIN 51 821) performed at 160° C. of no less than 100 hours.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/532,014 filed on Jul. 13, 2017, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lubricating compositions andmethods of making the same. More specifically, the present disclosurerelates to lithium grease compositions with extended high temperatureresistance and methods of making the same.

BACKGROUND

As technology advance and throughput increase with mechanical devices,there is an increased demand for higher temperature operating conditionsand lubricating compositions, such as grease, with enhances resistance.

Lubricating formulations and greases with a wide assortment of differentmaterials are known. For example, lithium complex greases are well knownand can be made from any of a wide variety of base stocks of lubricatingoil viscosity, as well as mixtures of base stocks. For example, lithiumcomplex greases that comprise a lithium complex thickener and alubricating base oil are well known. Greases have varied levels ofdesirable grease characteristics, such as dropping point, penetration,mechanical stability, shear stability, oxidation resistance, hightemperature resistance, etc. These characteristics are used to describethe lubricating life of the particular grease.

Currently, lithium soap based greases represent approximately 80% of thelubricating grease market and generally provide acceptable lubricatingperformance. However, lithium soap based greases are limited by theirhigh-temperature resistance. For example, lithium soap based grease inpolyalphaolefin (PAO) based fluid maxes out at 140° C. Currentlyavailable high-temperature lithium greases are either composed of solidparticles, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which induce wear andtear on the lubricated surface(s) (such as bearings, gears, slideplates, etc.), or polyester (POE) base oils, which are costly, arelimited in certain properties and impractical for manufacture.

Thus, a need exists for high-temperature lubricating grease that hasenhanced/extended high temperature resistance.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the disclosure provides a lithium complex grease withhigh-temperature resistivity. The lithium complex grease comprises: alithium complex thickener; a friction modifier; a polymer or copolymer;and at least one synthetic base oil having alkylated naphthalene.

In some embodiments, the friction modifier is at least one of amolybdenum (Mo) friction modifier, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC),molybdenum dithiophosphate (MoDTP), MOLYVAN® 822, MOLYVAN® 855, MOLYVAN®L, MOLYVAN® 807, MOLYVAN® A, MOLYVAN® 2000, ADEKA SAKURA LUBE 525,MOLYVAN® 3000, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the polymer or copolymer comprises at least oneof ethylene, propylene, an ethylene-propylene co-polymer, or acombination thereof.

In additional embodiments, the polymer or copolymer is Vistamaxx™ 6202.

In other embodiments, the synthetic base oil includes at least one of analkylated naphthalene base oil, a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil,alkylated naphthalene in PAO base oil, or a combination thereof.

In particular embodiments, the alkylated naphthalene base oil is atleast one of Synesstic™ 5, Synesstic™ 12, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the PAO base oil is at least one of SpectraSyn™2, SpectraSyn™ 2B, SpectraSyn™ 2C, SpectraSyn™ 4, SpectraSyn™ 5,SpectraSyn™ 6, SpectraSyn™ 8, SpectraSyn™ 10, SpectraSyn™ 40,SpectraSyn™ 100, Syncon® Barrier Oil, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the lithium complex grease has at least one ofthe following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10%of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0%to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 13.0% to 76% of the PAObase oil; or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of thefollowing: 6% to 20% of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of thefriction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40%of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO baseoil; or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the lithium complex grease is substantially free ofpolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, orsubstantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In yet another embodiment, the lithium complex grease comprises at leastone additive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, aco-thickener, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, atackiness agent, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or acombination thereof.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method ofpreparing a lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity.The method comprises mixing a lithium complex thickener, a frictionmodifier, a polymer or copolymer, and at least one synthetic base oilhaving alkylated naphthalene.

In some embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of thefollowing: 3% to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% ofthe friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to40% of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; at least 13.0% to 76% of thePAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of thefollowing: 6% to 20% of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of thefriction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40%of the alkylated naphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO baseoil; or a combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the lithium complex grease has a median failurerate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. of no less than 100hours.

In certain embodiments, the lithium complex grease is substantially freeof polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, orsubstantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In additional embodiments, the lithium complex grease further comprisesat least one additive selected from the group consisting of anemulsifier, a co-thickener, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, awear inhibitor, a tackiness agent, a colorant, an odor control agent, afiller, or a combination thereof.

Where applicable or not specifically disclaimed, any one of theembodiments described herein are contemplated to be able to combine withany other one or more embodiments or aspects, even though theembodiments are described under different aspects of the invention.These and other embodiments are disclosed or are obvious from andencompassed by, the following Detailed Description, including theDrawings and Examples herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, given by way of example, but notintended to limit the invention solely to the specific embodimentsdescribed, may best be understood in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1. Table 8. Combination of Polymer, Friction Modifier, andAlkylated Naphthalene.

FIG. 2. Table 9—Base Line Lithium Complex Greases.

FIG. 3. Table 10—Effect of Molybdenum-Containing Friction Modifiers.

FIG. 4. Table 11—Effect of Co-thickener Alone and Alkylated NaphthaleneAlone.

FIG. 5. Table 12—Combinations of Alkylated Naphthalene, Co-thickeners,Molybdenum Friction Modifiers, and Polymers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specification relates, in part, to the surprising discovery that thecompositions of the present disclosure surprisingly and unexpectedlyprovide extended high-temperature resistance. A synergistic effect isachieved by the combination of ingredients in the composition of thepresent disclosure, thereby providing a superior high temperatureresistance, which was heretofore unknown.

The following is a detailed description of the invention provided to aidthose skilled in the art in practicing the present invention. Those ofordinary skill in the art may make modifications and variations in theembodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scopeof the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical andscientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention hereinis for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting of the invention. All publications, patent applications,patents, figures and other references mentioned herein are expresslyincorporated by reference in their entirety and may be employed in thepractice of the present invention.

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can also be used in the practice or testing of thepresent invention, the preferred methods and materials are nowdescribed. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein byreference to disclose and described the methods and/or materials inconnection with which the publications are cited.

The specification relates, in part, to the surprising discovery that thelubricating composition of the present disclosure provides enhancedhigh-temperature resistivity. It was also surprising and unexpected thatthe enhanced high-temperature resistivity is provided by a synergisticeffect of the friction modifier, polymer, and base oil.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art towhich this invention belongs.

The following terms may have meanings ascribed to them below, unlessspecified otherwise. However, it should be understood that othermeanings that are known or understood by those having ordinary skill inthe art are also possible, and within the scope of the presentinvention. In the case of conflict, the present specification, includingdefinitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The articles “a”, “an”, and “the” as used herein and in the appendedclaims are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to atleast one) of the grammatical object of the article unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. By way of example, “an element” means oneelement or more than one element.

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” ofthe elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be presentother than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when usedin conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer,in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one’ of or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of. ”

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from anyone or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, in certain methods described hereinthat include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or actsof the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the stepsor acts of the method are recited unless the context indicatesotherwise.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, theterm “about” is understood as within a range of normal tolerance in theart, for example within 2 standard deviations of the mean. About can beunderstood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%,0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear fromcontext, all numerical values provided in detailed description andclaims are modified by the term “about.”

Any compositions or methods provided herein can be combined with one ormore of any of the other compositions and methods provided herein.

Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of thevalues within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understoodto include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from thegroup consisting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34,35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of theinvention. While the invention will be described in conjunction with theexemplary embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended tolimit the invention to those embodiments. To the contrary, it isintended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

Compositions of the Present Disclosure

In an aspect, the disclosure provides a lithium complex grease that hassurprising and unexpectedly high-temperature resistivity. The lithiumcomplex grease comprises: a lithium complex thickener; a frictionmodifier; a polymer or copolymer; and at least one synthetic base oilhaving alkylated naphthalene.

In certain embodiments, the synthetic base oil includes an alkylatednaphthalene base oil. Alternatively, the synthetic base oil may includean alkylated naphthalene bas oil and a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil oralkylated naphthalene in a PAO base oil. The present disclosureunexpectedly discovered that the combination of the polymer/co-copolymer(e.g., ethylene, propylene, an ethylene-propylene co-polymer, or acombination thereof), the alkylated naphthalene, and the frictionmodifier (such a molybdenum friction modifier) results in a synergisticincrease in high-temperature resistivity. In an embodiment, theco-polymer is Vistamaxx™ 6202.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasehas about 10% to about 50% of alkylated naphthalene base oil. Forexample, the alkylated naphthalene base oil may be present in about10.0% to about 50%, about 10% to about 45%, about 10% to about 40%,about 10% to about 35%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 25%,about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 50%,about 15% to about 45%, about 15% to about 40%, about 15% to about 35%,about 15% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%, about 15% to about 20%,about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 45%, about 20% to about 40%,about 20% to about 35%, about 20% to about 30%, about 20% to about 25%,about 25% to about 50%, about 25% to about 45%, about 25% to about 40%,about 25% to about 35%, about 25% to about 30%, about 30% to about 50%,about 30% to about 45%, about 30% to about 40%, about 30% to about 35%,about 35% to about 50%, about 35% to about 45%, about 35% to about 40%,about 40% to about 50%, about 40% to about 45%, or about 25% to about50% of the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasehas about 10% to about 80% of PAO base oil. For example, the PAO baseoil may be present in about 10% to about 80%, about 10% to about 75%,about 10% to about 70%, about 10% to about 65%, about 10% to about 60%,about 10% to about 55%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 45%,about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 35%, about 10% to about 30%,about 10% to about 25%, about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%,about 15% to about 80%, about 15% to about 75%, about 15% to about 70%,about 15% to about 65%, about 15% to about 60%, about 15% to about 55%,about 15% to about 50%, about 15% to about 45%, about 15% to about 40%,about 15% to about 35%, about 15% to about 30%, about 15% to about 25%,about 15% to about 20%, about 20° A to about 80%, about 20% to about75%, about 20° A to about 70%, about 20° A to about 65%, about 20° A toabout 60%, about 20° A to about 55%, about 20° A to about 50%, about 20°A to about 45%, about 20° A to about 40%, about 20° A to about 35%,about 20° A to about 30%, about 20% to about 25%, about 25% to about80%, about 25° A to about 75%, about 25° A to about 70%, about 25° A toabout 65%, about 25° A to about 60%, about 25° A to about 55%, about 25°A to about 50%, about 25° A to about 45%, about 25° A to about 40%,about 25° A to about 35%, about 25° A to about 30%, about 30° A to about80%, about 30° A to about 75%, about 30° A to about 70%, about 30° A toabout 65%, about 30° A to about 60%, about 30° A to about 55%, about 30°A to about 50%, about 30° A to about 45%, about 30° A to about 40%,about 30° A to about 35%, about 35° A to about 80%, about 35° A to about75%, about 35° A to about 70%, about 35° A to about 65%, about 35° A toabout 60%, about 35° A to about 55%, about 35° A to about 50%, about 35°A to about 45%, about 35° A to about 40%, about 40° A to about 80%,about 40° A to about 75%, about 40° A to about 70%, about 40° A to about65%, about 40° A to about 60%, about 40° A to about 55%, about 40° A toabout 50%, about 40° A to about 45%, about 45° A to about 80%, about 45°A to about 75%, about 45° A to about 70%, about 45° A to about 65%,about 45° A to about 60%, about 45° A to about 55%, about 45% to about50%, about 50% to about 80%, about 50% to about 75%, about 50% to about70%, about 50% to about 65%, about 50% to about 60%, about 50% to about55%, about 55% to about 80%, about 55% to about 75%, about 55% to about70%, about 55% to about 65%, about 55% to about 60%, about 60° A toabout 80%, about 60° A to about 75%, about 60° A to about 70%, about 60%to about 65%, about 65% to about 80%, about 65° A to about 75%, about65° A to about 70%, about 60° A to about 80%, about 70° A to about 75%,about 75° A to about 80% of the lithium complex grease of the presentdisclosure.

In any aspect or embodiments described herein, the lithium complexgrease has about 0.25% to about 7.0% of the polymer or copolymer. Forexample, the lithium complex grease has about 0.25° A to about 7.0%,about 0.25° A to about 6.0%, about 0.25° A to about 5.0%, about 0.25° Ato about 4.0%, about 0.25° A to about 3.0%, about 0.25° A to about 2.0%,about 0.25° A to about 1.0%, about 0.25° A to about 0.75%, about 0.40° Ato about 7.0%, about 0.40° A to about 6.0%, about 0.40° A to about 5.0%,about 0.40% to about 4.0%, about 0.40% to about 3.0%, about 0.40% toabout 2.0%, about 0.40% to about 1.0%, about 0.40% to about 0.75%, about0.5% to about 7.0%, about 0.5% to about 6.0%, about 0.5% to about 5.0%,about 0.5% to about 4.0%, about 0.5% to about 3.0%, about 0.5% to about2.0%, about 0.5% to about 1.0%, about 0.5% to about 0.75%, about 1.0% toabout 7.0%, about 1.0% to about 6.0%, about 1.0% to about 5.0%, about1.0% to about 4.0%, about 1.0% to about 3.0%, about 1.0% to about 2.0%,about 2.0% to about 7.0%, about 2.0% to about 6.0%, about 2.0% to about5.0%, about 2.0% to about 4.0%, about 2.0% to about 3.0%, about 3.0° Ato about 7.0%, about 3.0% to about 6.0%, about 3.0% to about 5.0%, about3.0% to about 4.0%, about 4.0% to about 7.0%, about 4.0% to about 6.0%,about 4.0% to about 5.0%, about 5.0% to about 7.0%, about 5.0° A toabout 6.0%, or about 6.0° A to about 7.0% of the lithium complex greaseof the disclosure.

The alkylated naphthalene base oil used in the lithium complex grease ofthe present disclosure is not particularly limited and can be anyalkylated naphthalene base oil that is known or that becomes known. Forexample, the alkylated naphthalene base oil can be at least one ofSynesstic™ 5, Synesstic™ 12, or a combination thereof. Similarly, thePAO base oil used in the lithium complex grease of the presentdisclosure is not particularly limited and can be any PAO base oil thatis known or that becomes known. For example, the PAO base oil can be atleast one of SpectraSyn™ 2, SpectraSyn™ 2B, SpectraSyn™ 2C, SpectraSyn™4, SpectraSyn™ 5, SpectraSyn™ 6, SpectraSyn™ 8, SpectraSyn™ 10,SpectraSyn™ 40, SpectraSyn™ 100, Syncon® Barrier Oil, or a combinationthereof.

The lithium complex thickener used in the lithium complex grease of thepresent disclosure is not particularly limited and can be any lithiumcomplex thickener that is known or that becomes known. For example, thelithium complex thickener can comprise a lithium soap derived from afatty acid having: (a) (i) at least one of an epoxy group, ethylenicunsaturation, or a combination thereof, and (ii) a dilithium saltderived from a straight chain dicarboxylic acid; and/or (b) a lithiumsalt derived from a hydroxy-substituted carboxylic acid, e.g. salicylicacid.

For example, the lithium complex thickener can comprise at least one of:a complex of a lithium soap of a C₁₂ to C₂₄ hydroxy fatty acid and amonolithium salt of boric acid; a lithium salt of a second hydroxycarboxylic acid, such as salicylic acid; or a combination thereof.

The lithium complex thickener can comprise a lithium soap of a C₁₂ toC₂₄ hydroxy fatty acid thickener antioxidant having an alkali metal saltof hydroxy benzoic acid and a diozime compound. In certain embodiments,the alkali metal salt of hydroxy benzoic acid includes dilithiumsalicylate.

The lithium complex thickener can be a lithium soap comprising at leastone of: a dilithium salt of a C₄ to C₁₂ dicarboxylic acid, e.g.,dilithium azelate; a lithium soap of a 9-, 10- or 12-hydroxy C₁₂ to C₂₄fatty acid, e.g., lithium 12-hydroxy stearate; and a lithium salt formedin-situ in the grease from a second hydroxy carboxylic acid, wherein the—OH group is attached to a carbon atom not more than 6 carbons removedfrom the carboxyl group and either of those groups can be attached toaliphatic portions of the materials or aromatic portions of thematerials.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complexthickener can comprise a complex lithium thickener and at least one of alithium salt of a C₃ to C₁₄ hydroxycarboxylic acid, a thiadiazole, or acombination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasehas about 3% to about 30% of the lithium complex thickener. For example,the lithium complex thickener may be present in about 3% to about 30%,about 3% to about 25%, about 3% to about 20%, about 3% to about 15%,about 3% to about 10%, about 3% to about 5%, about 5% to about 30%,about 3% to about 25%, about 5% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%,about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 25%,about 10% to about 20%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 30%,about 15% to about 25%, about 15% to about 20%, about 20% to about 30%,about 20% to about 25%, or about 25% to about 30% of the lithium complexgrease of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the friction modifier is any molybdenum basedfriction modifier. The molybdenum friction modifier is not particularlylimited and can be any molybdenum friction modifier that is known orthat becomes known. For example, the friction modifier can be at leastone friction modifier selected from the group consisting of a molybdenum(Mo) friction modifier, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), molybdenumdithiophosphate (MoDTP), MOLYVAN® 822, MOLYVAN® 855, MOLYVAN® L,MOLYVAN® 807, MOLYVAN® A, MOLYVAN® 2000, ADEKA SAKURA LUBE 525, andMOLYVAN® 3000.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasehas about 0.75% to about 10% of the friction modifier. For example, thefriction modifier may be present in about 0.75% to about 10.0%, about0.75% to about 9.0%, about 0.75% to about 8.0%, about 0.75% to about7.0%, about 0.75% to about 6.0%, about 0.75% to about 5.0%, about 0.75%to about 4.0%, about 0.75% to about 3.0%, about 0.75% to about 2.0%,about 0.75% to about 1.0%, about 1.0% to about 10.0%, about 1.0% toabout 9.0%, about 1.0% to about 8.0%, about 1.0% to about 7.0%, about1.0% to about 6.0%, about 1.0% to about 5.0%, about 1.0% to about 4.0%,about 1.0% to about 3.0%, about 1.0% to about 2.0%, about 2.0% to about10.0%, about 2.0% to about 9.0%, about 2.0% to about 8.0%, about 2.0% toabout 7.0%, about 2.0% to about 6.0%, about 2.0% to about 5.0%, about2.0% to about 4.0%, about 2.0% to about 3.0%, about 3.0% to about 10.0%,about 3.0% to about 9.0%, about 3.0% to about 8.0%, about 3.0% to about7.0%, about 3.0% to about 6.0%, about 3.0% to about 5.0%, about 3.0% toabout 4.0%, about 4.0% to about 10.0%, about 4.0% to about 9.0%, about4.0% to about 8.0%, about 4.0% to about 7.0%, about 4.0% to about 6.0%,about 4.0% to about 5.0%, about 5.0% to about 10.0%, about 5.0% to about9.0%, about 5.0% to about 8.0%, about 5.0% to about 7.0%, about 5.0% toabout 6.0%, about 6.0% to about 10.0%, about 6.0° A to about 9.0%, about6.0° A to about 8.0%, about 6.0° A to about 7.0%, about 7.0% to about10.0%, about 7.0% to about 9.0%, about 7.0% to about 8.0%, about 8.0% toabout 10.0%, about 8.0° A to about 9.0%, about 9.0° A to about 10.0% ofthe lithium complex grease of the present disclosure.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greaseis substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE)base oil, or substantially free of PTFE and POE base oil. That is, incertain embodiments the lithium complex grease of the present disclosurehas no PTFE present. While in other embodiments, the lithium complexgrease of the present disclosure has no POE base oil present. In yetfurther embodiments, the lithium complex grease of the presentdisclosure has no PTFE and no POE base oil present.

The lithium complex grease of the present disclosure can furthercomprise at least one additive selected from the group consisting of anemulsifier, a co-thickener, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant (suchas an amine type antioxidant), a wear inhibitor, a tackiness agent, acolorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or a combination thereof. Theparticular the emulsifier, co-thickener, corrosion inhibitor, wearinhibitor, tackiness agent, colorant, odor control agent, filler, and/orantioxidant is not limited. For example, the emulsifier, co-thickener,corrosion inhibitor, wear inhibitor, and antioxidant can be anyemulsifier, co-thickener, corrosion inhibitor, wear inhibitor, tackinessagent, colorant, odor control agent, filler, and/or antioxidant that issuitable for use in grease, such as lithium complex grease, that isknown or that becomes known.

For example, the wear inhibitor may be selected from the groupconsisting of anti-wear additives based on diphenyl cresyl phosphate,amine neutralized phosphates, alkylated and nonalkylated triarylphosphates, alkylated and nonalkylated triaryl thiophosphates, zinc ormolybdenum or tungsten dialkyldithiophosphates, carbamates,thiocarbamates, zinc or molybdenum or tungsten dithiocarbamates,dimercaptothiadiazole, calcium sulfonates, and benzotrizole derivatives,which are used individually or in combination. For example, the wearinhibitor may be at least one of antimony, lead and zincdiorganophosphorodithioates, phosphorus-sulfide treated olefins,sulfurized olefins, alkylphenate sulfides and disulfides, tricresylphosphate, chlorinated paraffin waxes, sulfurized glyceryl trioleate,antimony, lead and zinc diamyldithiocarbamate, or a combination thereof.

The antioxidant may be at least one antioxidant selected from the groupconsisting of aromatic aminic antioxidants, such as alkylatedphenyl-alpha-naphthylamine, dialkyl-diphenylamine, aralkylateddiphenylamine, sterically hindered phenols, such as butylatedhydroxytoluene (BHT), phenolic antioxidants having thioether groups,zinc or molybdenum or tungsten dialkyldithiophosphates, and phosphites,or an antioxidant comprising sulfer, nitrogen, and/or phosphorus. Forexample, the antioxidant may be at least one ofphenyl-alpha-napthylamine, 2,2,4-trimethyldihydroquinoline oligomer, bis(alkylphenyl) amine, phenothiazine, N,N-diphenyl-phenylenediamine, or acombination thereof.

The corrosion inhibitor may be selected from the group consisting ofadditives based on overbased Ca sulfonates having a TBN of 100 to 300 mgKOH/g, amine-neutralized phosphates, alkylated Canaphthalene-sulfonates, oxazoline derivatives, imidazole derivatives,succinic monoesters, N-alkylated benzotriazoles, which are usedindividually or in combination. For examples, the corrosion inhibitormay be at least one of mercaptobenzothiazole, barium dinonylnaphthalenesulfonate, glycerol monooleate, sodium nitrite, imidazolines oftetraethylenepentamine, or a combination thereof.

Method of Preparing Compositions of the Present Disclosure

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method ofpreparing the lithium complex grease of the present disclosure. Themethod comprises mixing a lithium complex thickener, a frictionmodifier, a polymer or copolymer, and at least one synthetic base oilhaving alkylated naphthalene.

In some embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of thefollowing: about 3% to about 30% of the lithium complex thickener; about0.75% to about 10% of the friction modifier; about 0.25% to about 7% ofthe polymer or copolymer; about 10.0% to about 40% of the alkylatednaphthalene base oil; at least 13.0% to about 76% of the PAO base oil;or a combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the lithium complex grease has at least one of thefollowing: about 6% to about 20% of the lithium complex thickener; about1.0% to about 6% of the friction modifier; about 0.5% to about 4% of thepolymer or copolymer; about 10.0% to about 40% of the alkylatednaphthalene base oil; about 30.0% to about 82.5% of the PAO base oil; ora combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the lithium complex grease has a median failurerate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C. of no less than 100hours.

In certain embodiments, the lithium complex grease is substantially freeof polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, orsubstantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In additional embodiments, the lithium complex grease further comprisesat least one additive selected from the group consisting of anemulsifier, a co-thickener, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, awear inhibitor, a tackiness agent, a colorant, an odor control agent, afiller, or a combination thereof.

This invention of the present disclosure is further illustrated by thefollowing examples which should not be construed as limiting. The databelow demonstrates that the maximum operating temperature of the greaseof the present disclosure is surprisingly increased relative toconvention lithium complex greases. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the invention may be practiced with variations on thedisclosed structures, materials, compositions and methods, and suchvariations are regarded as within the ambit of the invention.

EXAMPLES

Methods of the Examples. Greases were tested using the FE9 grease lifetest method (DIN 51 821) with a heated ball bearing assembly, therebydetermining the high-temperature operability. In particular, five ballbearings were individually tested until grease failure was achieved atthe targeted (i.e., 160° C. for high-temperature resistivityexamination) operability temperature. The statistical average of time tofailure (V50) for the fire bearings at the targeted temperature ispresented below. A V50 of greater than 100 hours for the tested greaseis considered suitable for use at the targeted temperature.

Example 1

Examination of Current Multipurpose Lithium Complex Greases. As shown inTable 1, current multipurpose lithium complex greases are unable toprovide acceptable performance (i.e., does not provide a V50 of greaterthan 100 hours) in the FE9 test at 160° C.

TABLE 1 Table 1. Current Multipurpose Lithium Complex Greases at 160° C.Commercial Mobilith BC/1 BD/1 BJ/1 SHC 460 13- 13- 14- 12-36473 110349110946 004568 7171.0 MCP 2619-MCP 2743 0.000 51.448 50.275 51.512 6351.0PAO-6 CST 20.492 21.340 20.879 21.392 6361.0 PAO-100 CST (MCP 2165)57.128 0.000 0.000 0.000 1202.0 METHYL 12-HYDROXY 11.000 14.129 14.02514.370 STEARATES 1207.5 DIMETHYL ADIPATE/ 2.890 4.239 4.208 4.311GLUTARATE MIX 3156.0 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE, 3.040 4.145 4.114 4.215MONOHYDRATE, RDG EC-L64 IRGANOX L 64 0.000 2.000 3.000 0.000 2141.0Durad 150 0.000 1.700 2.500 0.000 EC-8621 LUBRIZOL 8621A 0.000 1.0001.000 0.000 1885.0 IRGANOX L57 1.750 0.000 0.000 0.000 1374.0 LUBRIZOL1395 1.700 0.000 0.000 0.000 1990.0 IRGALUBE TPPT 0.000 0.000 0.0001.200 2233.0 PX 3872 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.200 2234.0 VANLUBE 7723 1.0000.000 0.000 0.000 2530.0 IRGALUBE 63 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 26780-POLY(1,2-DIHYDRO-2,2,3- 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.800 96-1 TRIMETHYL QUINOLINE4164.0 ZINC NAPHTHENATE 0.750 0.000 0.000 0.000 1523.0 RED DYE, LIQUID0.150 0.000 0.000 0.000 3058.0 IRGAMET 39 0.100 0.000 0.000 0.000 DIN51821 FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) 36 25 33 33 V50 (Hours)

Example 2

Examination of the Contribution an Individual Component of the Grease ofthe Present Disclosure has on High-Temperature Resistivity. Table 2illustrates the contribution that only the friction modifier has on thehigh-temperature resistivity (V50). Table 3 illustrates the contributionthat only the alkylated naphthalene has on the high-temperatureresistivity (V50). Table 4 illustrates the contribution that only thepolymer has on the high-temperature resistivity (V50). Tables 2-4demonstrate that each of the components alone (i.e., the frictionmodifier, the alkylated naphthalene, and the polymer) do not provide anymeaningful enhancement in high-temperature resistivity.

TABLE 2 Table 2. Contribution of Friction Modifier BF/1 BG/1 BH/1 BZ/1CD/1 13-116720 13-116771 13-116869 14-011648 14-012332 7171.0 MCP2619-MCP 2743 50.537 50.376 50.537 50.544 51.082 6351.0 PAO - 6 CST20.955 20.888 20.955 20.990 21.214 1202.0 METHYL 12-HYDROXY 13.87513.830 13.875 14.100 14.250 STEARATES 1207.5 DIMETHYL 4.163 4.149 4.1634.230 4.275 ADIPATE/GLUTARATE MIX 3156.0 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE, 4.070 4.0574.070 4.136 4.180 MONOHYDRATE, RDG EC-L64 IRGANOX L 64 2.000 2.000 2.0000.000 0.000 EC-ELCO108 ELCO108 1.700 1.700 1.700 0.000 0.000  799.0VANLUBE 81 0.000 0.000 0.000 2.000 2.000 EC-8621 LUBRIZOL 8621A 1.0001.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 1063.5 VANLUBE AZ 0.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 1.0001990.0 IRGALUBE TPPT 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.000 2530.0 IRGALUBE 630.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.000 2926.0 MOLYVAN 822 0.000 1.000 1.700 2.0000.000 1082.0 MOLYVAN L 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 2.000 4177.0 MOLYVAN A1.700 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 DIN 51821 FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) 68 39 42 4449 V50 (Hours)

TABLE 3 Table 3. Contribution of Alkylated Naphthalene GD/1 14-0874837171.0 MCP 2619-MCP 2743 49.820 6376.0 MCP 2484 (SYNNESTIC 12) 15.0001202.0 METHYL 12-HYDROXY 12.400 STEARATES 6351.0 PAO-6 CST 10.990 3156.0LITHIUM HYDROXIDE, 3.300 MONOHYDRATE, RDG 1207.5 DIMETHYL ADIPATE/ 3.190GLUTARATE MIX 1885.0 IRGANOX L57 1.750 1374.0 LUBRIZOL 1395 1.70010563.0 OCTOPOL MB 1.000 4164.0 Zinc Naphthenate 0.750 3058.0 IRGAMET 390.100 DIN FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) 35 51821 V50 (Hours)

TABLE 4 Table 4. Contribution of the Polymer DL/1 14-041673 7171.0 MCP2619-MCP 2743 52.361 6351.0 PAO-6 CST 21.944 1202.0 METHYL 12-HYDROXY14.475 STEARATES 3156.0 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE, 3.957 MONOHYDRATE, RDG 1207.5DIMETHYL ADIPATE/ 3.764 GLUTARATE MIX 1283.5 IRGANOX L 06 2.000 1990.0IRGALUBE TPPT 1.000 815449- ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE 0.500 00 COPOLYMER DINFE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) 35 51821 V50 (Hours)

Example 3

Examination of the Contribution Two Component of the Grease of thePresent Disclosure has on High-Temperature Resistivity. Table 5illustrates the contribution that the combination of the frictionmodifier and the alkylated naphthalene has on the high-temperatureresistivity (V50). Table 6 illustrates the contribution that thecombination of the polymer and the alkylated naphthalene has on thehigh-temperature resistivity (V50). Table 7 illustrates the contributionthat the combination of the polymer and the friction modifier has on thehigh-temperature resistivity (V50). While the combination of the polymerand the friction modifier shows some increased high-temperatureresistivity, the combination consistently fails to meet the 100 hourrequirement to demonstrate high-temperature resistivity. The othercombinations (friction modifier plus alkylated naphthalene, and thepolymer plus alkylated naphthalene) do not provide any meaningfulenhanced high-temperature resistivity.

TABLE 5 Table 5. Contribution of the Combination of the FrictionModifier and Alkylated Naphthalene HC/1 14-110787 7171.0 MCP 2619-MCP2743 43.000 6351.0 PAO-6 CST 18.093 6376.0 MCP 2484 (SYNNESTIC 12)15.000 1202.0 METHYL 12-HYDROXY 11.027 STEARATES 3156.0 LITHIUMHYDROXIDE, 3.014 MONOHYDRATE, RDG 1207.5 DIMETHYL ADIPATE/ 2.867GLUTARATE MIX 799.0 VANLUBE 81 2.000 1063.5 VANLUBE AZ 1.000 1990.0IRGALUBE TPPT 1.000 2530.0 IRGALUBE 63 1.000 70162.0 ADEKA SAKURALUBE525 2.000 DIN FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) 68 51821 V50 (Hours)

TABLE 6 Table 6. Contribution of the Combination of the Polymer andAlkylated Naphthalene HD/1 14-110786 7171.0 MCP 2619-MCP 2743 42.1516351.0 PAO-6 CST 20.670 6376.0 MCP 2484 (SYNNESTIC 12) 15.000 1202.0METHYL 12-HYDROXY 10.865 STEARATES 3156.0 LITHIUM HYDROXIDE, 2.969MONOHYDRATE, RDG 1207.5 DIMETHYL ADIPATE/ 2.825 GLUTARATE MIX 799.0VANLUBE 81 2.020 1063.5 VANLUBE AZ 1.000 1990.0 IRGALUBE TPPT 1.0002530.0 IRGALUBE 63 1.000 815449- ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE 0.500 00 COPOLYMERDIN FE9 (A/1.5/6000-160) 41 51821 V50 (Hours)

TABLE 7 Table 7. Contribution of the Combination of the Polymer and theFriction Modifier DJ/1 DK/1 DY/1 14- 14- 14- 040563 041165 053848 7171.0MCP 2619-MCP 2743 48.970 50.733 50.191 6351.0 PAO-6 CST 20.530 21.26221.035 1202.0 METHYL 12-HYDROXY 15.000 14.025 13.875 STEARATES 3156.0LITHIUM HYDROXIDE, 4.100 3.834 3.793 MONOHYDRATE, RDG 1207.5 DIMETHYLADIPATE/ 3.900 3.647 3.608 GLUTARATE MIX 1283.5 IRGANOX L 06 2.000 2.0000.000 1063.5 VANLUBE AZ 1.000 1.000 1.000 1990.0 IRGALUBE TPPT 1.0001.000 1.000 799.0 VANLUBE 81 0.000 0.000 2.000 2530.0 IRGALUBE 63 1.0000.000 1.000 2926.0 MOLYVAN 822 0.000 2.000 0.000 1082.0 MOLYVAN L 2.0000.000 0.000 70162.0 ADEKA SAKURALUBE 525 0.000 0.000 2.000 815449-ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE 0.500 0.500 0.500 00 COPOLYMER DIN FE9(A/1.5/6000-160) 89 66 92 51821 V50 (Hours)

Example 4

Examination of the Contribution of the Polymer, Friction Modifier, andAlkylated Naphthalene has on High-Temperature Resistivity. Table 8(FIG. 1) illustrates the contribution that the combination of thefriction modifier, the polymer and the alkylated naphthalene has on thehigh-temperature resistivity (V50). Table 8 demonstrates that thecombination of the friction modifier, the polymer, and the alkylatednaphthalene synergistically enhanced the high-temperature resistivity ofthe grease of the present disclosure by consistently having a V50greater than 100 hours at 160° C.

Example 5

Examination of Base Line References. Table 9 (FIG. 2) illustratesnumerous base line lithium complex grease formulations as comparativeexamples, wherein the B50 is the statistical average time in hours tofailure (determined by the FE9 grease life test method (DIN 51 821) witha heated ball bearing assembly, as described above) for the listedcomparative examples. As shown in Table 9, each of the comparativeexamples has poor temperature resistivity.

Example 6

Examination of Molybdenum-Containing Friction Modifiers. Table 10 (FIG.3) illustrates the effect of varying types and amounts ofmolybdenum-containing friction modifiers. As shown in Table 10, use ofmolybdenum-containing friction modifiers was only effective asincreasing high temperature resistivity without the polymer and thealkylated naphthalene when used as substantially higher amounts.

Example 7

Examination of Co-thickener or Alkylated Naphthalene Alone. Table 11(FIG. 4) illustrates that substantial increases in alkylated naphthalenein the lithium complex grease without the friction modifier and polymerdoes not effectively result in high temperature resistivity.

Example 8

Examination of Combinations of Alkylated Naphthalene, Co-thickeners,Molybdenum Friction Modifiers, and Polymers. Table 12 (FIG. 5) examinesnumerous combinations of alkylated naphthalene, co-thickeners,molybdenum friction modifiers and polymers.

Specific Embodiments

According to an aspect, the present disclosure provides a lithiumcomplex grease with high-temperature resistivity, the lithium complexgrease comprising: a lithium complex thickener; a friction modifier; apolymer or copolymer; and at least one synthetic base oil havingalkylated naphthalene.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the friction modifier isat least one of a molybdenum (Mo) friction modifier, molybdenumdithiocarbamate (MoDTC), molybdenum dithiophosphate (MoDTP), MOLYVAN®822, MOLYVAN® 855, MOLYVAN® L, MOLYVAN® 807, MOLYVAN® A, MOLYVAN® 2000,ADEKA SAKURA LUBE 525, MOLYVAN® 3000, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the polymer or copolymercomprises at least one of ethylene, propylene, an ethylene-propyleneco-polymer, or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the polymer or copolymeris Vi stamaxx™ 6202.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the at least one syntheticbase oil includes at least one of an alkylated naphthalene base oil, apolyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil, alkylated naphthalene in PAO base oil,or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the alkylated naphthalenebase oil is at least one of Synesstic™ 5, Synesstic™ 12, or acombination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the PAO base oil is atleast one of SpectraSyn™ 2, SpectraSyn™ 2B, SpectraSyn™ 2C, SpectraSyn™4, SpectraSyn™ 5, SpectraSyn™ 6, SpectraSyn™ 8, SpectraSyn™ 10,SpectraSyn™ 40, SpectraSyn™ 100, Syncon® Barrier Oil, or a combinationthereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasehas at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complexthickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of thepolymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene baseoil; 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasehas at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of the lithium complexthickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of thepolymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene baseoil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greaseis substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE)base oil, or substantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, wherein the lithiumcomplex grease further comprises at least one additive selected from thegroup consisting of an emulsifier, a co-thickener, a corrosioninhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, a tackiness agent, acolorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or a combination thereof.

According to a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a methodof preparing a lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity,the method comprising mixing a lithium complex thickener, a frictionmodifier, a polymer or copolymer, and at least one synthetic base oilwith alkylated naphthalene.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasehas at least one of the following: 3% to 30% of the lithium complexthickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier; 0.25% to 7% of thepolymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene baseoil; at least 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or a combinationthereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasehas at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of the lithium complexthickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to 4% of thepolymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylated naphthalene baseoil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or a combination thereof.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasehas a median failure rate with a ball bearing test performed at 160° C.of no less than 100 hours.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greaseis substantially free of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE)base oil, or substantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.

In any aspect or embodiment described herein, the lithium complex greasefurther comprises at least one additive selected from the groupconsisting of an emulsifier, a co-thickener, a corrosion inhibitor, anantioxidant, a wear inhibitor, a tackiness agent, a colorant, an odorcontrol agent, a filler, or a combination thereof.

Equivalents

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain usingno more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specificembodiments and methods described herein. Such equivalents are intendedto be encompassed by the scope of the following claims.

It is understood that the detailed examples and embodiments describedherein are given by way of example for illustrative purposes only, andare in no way considered to be limiting to the invention. Variousmodifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to personsskilled in the art and are included within the spirit and purview ofthis application and are considered within the scope of the appendedclaims. For example, the relative quantities of the ingredients may bevaried to optimize the desired effects, additional ingredients may beadded, and/or similar ingredients may be substituted for one or more ofthe ingredients described. Additional advantageous features andfunctionalities associated with the systems, methods, and processes ofthe present invention will be apparent from the appended claims.Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Suchequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

1. A lithium complex grease with high-temperature resistivity, thelithium complex grease comprising: a lithium complex thickener; afriction modifier; a polymer or copolymer; and at least one syntheticbase oil having alkylated naphthalene.
 2. The lithium complex grease ofclaim 1, wherein the friction modifier is at least one of a molybdenum(Mo) friction modifier, molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), molybdenumdithiophosphate (MoDTP), MOLYVAN® 822, MOLYVAN® 855, MOLYVAN® L,MOLYVAN® 807, MOLYVAN® A, MOLYVAN® 2000, ADEKA SAKURA LUBE 525, MOLYVAN®3000, or a combination thereof.
 3. The lithium complex grease of claim1, wherein the polymer or copolymer comprises at least one of ethylene,propylene, an ethylene-propylene co-polymer, or a combination thereof.4. The lithium complex grease of claim 3, wherein the polymer orcopolymer is Vistamaxx™
 6202. 5. The lithium complex grease of claim 1,wherein the at least one synthetic base oil includes at least one of analkylated naphthalene base oil, a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil,alkylated naphthalene in PAO base oil, or a combination thereof.
 6. Thelithium complex grease of claim 5, wherein the alkylated naphthalenebase oil is at least one of Synesstic™ 5, Synesstic™ 12, or acombination thereof.
 7. The lithium complex grease of claim 5, whereinthe PAO base oil is at least one of SpectraSyn™ 2, SpectraSyn™ 2B,SpectraSyn™ 2C, SpectraSyn™ 4, SpectraSyn™ 5, SpectraSyn™ 6, SpectraSyn™8, SpectraSyn™ 10, SpectraSyn™ 40, SpectraSyn™ 100, Syncon® Barrier Oil,or a combination thereof.
 8. The lithium complex grease of claim 1,wherein the lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3%to 30% of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the frictionmodifier; 0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of thealkylated naphthalene base oil; 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or acombination thereof.
 9. The lithium complex grease of claim 8, whereinthe lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 6% to 20%of the lithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier;0.5% to 4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylatednaphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or acombination thereof.
 10. The lithium complex grease of claim 1, whereinthe lithium complex grease is substantially free ofpolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, orsubstantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.
 11. The lithium complexgrease of claim 1, further comprising at least one additive selectedfrom the group consisting of an emulsifier, a co-thickener, a corrosioninhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, a tackiness agent, acolorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or a combination thereof. 12.A method of preparing a lithium complex grease with high-temperatureresistivity, the method comprising mixing a lithium complex thickener, afriction modifier, a polymer or copolymer, and at least one syntheticbase oil with alkylated naphthalene.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe lithium complex grease has at least one of the following: 3% to 30%of the lithium complex thickener; 0.75% to 10% of the friction modifier;0.25% to 7% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylatednaphthalene base oil; at least 13.0% to 76% of the PAO base oil; or acombination thereof.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the lithiumcomplex grease has at least one of the following: 6% to 20% of thelithium complex thickener; 1.0% to 6% of the friction modifier; 0.5% to4% of the polymer or copolymer; 10.0% to 40% of the alkylatednaphthalene base oil; 30.0% to 82.5% of the PAO base oil; or acombination thereof.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the lithiumcomplex grease has a median failure rate with a ball bearing testperformed at 160° C. of no less than 100 hours.
 16. The method of claim12, wherein the lithium complex grease is substantially free ofpolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester (POE) base oil, orsubstantially free of PTFE and POE base oil.
 17. The method of claim 12,wherein the lithium complex grease further comprises at least oneadditive selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, aco-thickener, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a wear inhibitor, atackiness agent, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, or acombination thereof.